EXPLORERS
Writers & Contributors
Question : What is your ideal Island getaway ?
Pie Rivera is s a self-confessed chocoholic even before the term was coined , and an advocate of responsible traveling . After 10 years of non-stop television productions she has embraced the call of taking trips , enjoying life ’ s simple pleasures , indulging in gastronomic journeys and living in this epigram : live well , laugh often and eat to your heart ’ s content .
A : My ideal island vacation in the Philippines is to be with my beau as we laze around , surrounded by the pristine white sand with a stunning sunset view , sipping a glass of mango mojito paired with hot-from-the-oven pepperoni pizza and worry about nothing at all .”
Steve De Neef is a freelance underwater , conservation and nature photographer from Belgium currently residing in the Philippines . He primarily focuses on photographing and writing about the underwater world and all ocean related issues in the hopes of creating more awareness for this fragile environment .
A : My ideal Island to kick back and relax must be Apo Island . It ’ s turquoise waters full of colorful corals , the friendly kids playing on the beach and the laid back feel of the whole place always makes me smile .
Benjamin Layug , is a travel website developer ( www . biyahero . net ), an avid traveler in his spare time and an author of 3 travel books . His 4 th book , A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Landmarks , Monuments and Shrines , was launched at the Philippine International Bookfair . He loves playing billiards , bowling , hanging out with friends and the great outdoors .
A : I would much prefer neighboring Carabao Island in Romblon . It is much like Boracay 30 years ago , with its palm-fringed , powdery white sand beaches , crystal clear waters and blue skies but minus the maddening crowd , water pollution , garbage and the concrete jungle .
Elaine Abonal is a freelance writer , photographer , and English , French , and Spanish language instructor . Although she is born and raised in Manila , she was bitten by the travel bug at a very young age and has traveled to many places in the Philippines and around the world . She is also an adventurer at heart , specifically having a passion for being in the water .
A : My ideal island vacation is Siargao Island . It has everything that I want and need : nature and beautiful beaches for when I want to go outside , waves for surfing , and of course friends that I know I ’ ll share a lot of memories with .
Jeck Simbulan Discovered Dumaguete by bike , dove in Moalboal with species of a different kind , had coffee with a national artist in Baguio to learn about the artist ’ s legacy , and stayed in a plush resort and spa in Mactan , but was still able to return home to Laguna in one piece to his wife .
A : Rum coke and a sunset in Anilao , Batangas
Avee Tan enjoys hanging with the buds and traveling for free . She has a deep love for photography and dreams of working for National Geographic someday . During her spare time , she likes to play with her dog , and surf the net for the next travel adventures .
A : Spending a week in El Nido and just lying around the beautiful sands and traveling through the waters of Palawan that I only see and read about .
Want to be an Island Explorer ?
The Republic of 7107 Magazine ’ s contributors are passionate travelers with a love for Philippine culture , an advocate for sustainable tourism practices and a mind for island investments — any of these traits sound like you ? Do you have a story to tell us ? Then email editor @ 7107magazine . ph and add another destination in our map !
Designer & Illustrator
Paolo Yabao is a free-lance graphic designer . An alumni of UST College of Fine Arts & Design . Pao has been designing books , magazines for around ten years now . He loves to paint and write stories , loves music , anything Japanese and knows how to speak Nihongo . A frustrated cartographer & astronomer , he does stargazing in his spare-time with his binoculars .
A . Overnight camp at Baguio and stargaze with my telescope . I ’ ll take time-lapse photos of the night sky till dawn while drinking Gilbey ’ s Premium Strength Ginger beer .
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